Brendan Rodgers says there is "absolutely no way" Liverpool will sign players without his approval.

Liverpool's owners, the Fenway Sports Group, dropped initial plans of Rodgers operating under a director of football, and instead favoured a committee-style set-up involving head of recruitment Dave Fallows, chief scout Barry Hunter and head of analysis Michael Edwards along with Rodgers.

And while the job of the panel is to identify targets, the Reds boss is adamant he has the final say on signings, although ultimately FSG's financial backing is the deciding factor.

"There is absolutely no way a player will come in here if I don't want him," Rodgers said.

"I will always be the first person it comes to. That's not being arrogant, that's how we operate here and how it works in this country.

"Abroad it works differently where you have a coach and the club will bring in the players. The coach then works with the players he's given.

"A lot has been made of it but the fact is the process that happens here is no different to what happens at other English clubs.

"We have a number of people, scouting staff and analysts, who will look for targets who fit the profile of the players that we want.

"Then I will sit down with those guys, look at those targets and make a shortlist from that.

"All that work that goes on is of great help to me. We identify players, gather all the information we possibly can and then if they're right for what we need it comes down to whether they are affordable and available.

"I know the club will go and do the best it can to get the players we want.

"But it's very clear that anyone we sign will be because I want him here."

Everton thanks

Ahead of their home Merseyside derby on Sunday, managing director Ian Ayre has spoken of his appreciation to Everton for their long-standing support of the Hillsborough justice campaign.

"I want to take the opportunity to thank (chairman) Bill Kenwright and Everton fans for their continued support for the families and victims of the Hillsborough disaster," Ayre said.

"It is the coming together of the families, supporters and the city that has made the huge breakthroughs of the last 12 months possible."